Travellers to Saudi Arabia Told to Reconsider Plans as US Holds Level 3

The U.S. Department of State updated its travel advisory for Saudi Arabia on 23 October 2026 to reflect what it described as increased regional aggression by the Iranian-supported Houthis and Iranian efforts to target U.S. government officials in the region. The advisory level itself is unchanged at Level 3: Reconsider Travel, and the risk indicators were not altered.

Key facts

• Advisory updated: 23 October 2026; level remains Level 3: Reconsider Travel
• Do not travel to the Yemen border region because of terrorism
• Cited risks: drone and missile attacks, armed conflict, terrorism, exit bans and social media laws
• On 23 October 2026, non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members were ordered to leave Saudi Arabia
• The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a notice or special regulation for flights within or near Saudi Arabia

What is changing?

The advisory summary was rewritten to flag a higher potential for armed attacks by the Iranian-supported Houthis and Iranian efforts to target U.S. government officials in the region. The Department of State did not change the advisory level or the risk indicators.

On the same day, the Department ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government employee family members to leave Saudi Arabia because of safety risks.

Why is this happening?

The Department of State points to several threats. Iranian-supported Houthis have carried out hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure that caused civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions, and the hostilities could escalate rapidly beyond that area.

Iran and Iran-backed Houthi rebels have launched missile and drone attacks into Saudi Arabia, hitting cities, infrastructure, airports, military bases, diplomatic and energy facilities across the country. Falling debris from intercepted drones and missiles is also a risk, and the rebels have threatened to attack Saudi Arabia again. U.S. citizens living and working near energy infrastructure and military bases may face increased risk, particularly closer to the Yemen border.

The advisory also warns of terrorist violence that can occur with little or no warning, especially around holidays, and can involve knives, firearms and vehicles. Potential targets listed include political, cultural and religious sites, tourist locations, large gatherings, hotels, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, entertainment venues and government facilities.

What restrictions apply to U.S. government employees?

U.S. government employees working in Saudi Arabia need special authorization to use any airport in the country and are not allowed to travel within 20 miles of the Yemen border. Special authorization is also required to visit the cities of Qatif, Taif and Yanbu and the provinces of Jizan, Asir and Najran. Further staffing adjustments may be imposed.

What should travellers know about local laws?

The Government of Saudi Arabia has imposed exit bans on some U.S. citizens, and these can last many years. They may relate to pending criminal and civil cases, including unpaid visa overstay fees, family disputes and financial or labour disagreements, and can continue even after a sentence is served or a private suit is settled.

Travellers are subject to Saudi local laws. Authorities may detain people over social media posts or other online activity considered critical, offensive or disruptive to public order, including posts, re-posts or likes made outside Saudi Arabia. Punishment for social media activity has included prison sentences of up to 45 years. Saudi authorities have also detained U.S. citizens for photographing missile or drone interceptions or impact sites.

What this means for travellers

Travellers should weigh the risks described in the advisory before booking, avoid the Yemen border region entirely, and be aware of restrictions on photography around interception sites and of the exit ban and social media risks. The FAA notice means flight schedules within or near Saudi Arabia may be affected; the advisory notes that private car, train and bus options may provide alternatives to air travel.

The advisory notes that additional staffing posture adjustments may be imposed on U.S. personnel as security issues evolve.